Florida Probate Administration

Perhaps you have heard about probate, in particular that it can be a complicated, time-consuming and stressful process. In many instances, it is all that and more. Here is a partial list of the duties involved in settling an estate in Florida:

  • Locate and file the Last Will and Testament with the local court
  • File required probate documents with the court
  • Locate, inventory, custody, close and transfer personal assets/accounts
  • Appraise and value all assets
  • Pay debts and expenses associated with the last illness and funeral
  • Ascertain, and notify, all known creditors of the estate
  • Make payments to creditors, discharge obligations and obtain creditor releases
  • Process and receive life insurance death benefits
  • Secure personal residence and tangible personal property
  • File appropriate tax returns (federal and state) and make appropriate tax elections
  • Pay estate taxes and final personal income taxes
  • Make decisions regarding the funding of marital and family trusts
  • Provide professional investment management during the entire estate administration
  • Obtain tax releases and closing letters from local courts, the IRS and state taxing authorities
  • Make specific bequests, as well as partial and final distributions, to beneficiaries (including packing and shipping of tangible personal property)
  • Provide complete detailed accounting to the local court and estate beneficiaries

At a time of tremendous loss, dealing with issues such as these is the last thing most families want to think about. Coping with the grief that accompanies losing a loved one is difficult enough. With that in mind, I am dedicated to relieving families of this burden, and making the probate administration process in Florida as stress-free and efficient as possible for everyone concerned.

If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, and are faced with the prospect of settling the estate through the Florida probate court, we invite you to contact me today to learn how I can help. I am a Probate Lawyer in St. Pete and in addition to dealing with all of the duties above, I can also:

  • Help you determine whether probate is necessary or if you can use an alternative procedure
  • Make all of the necessary court appearances on your behalf if probate is indeed necessary
  • Often save tax dollars for those who receive money and property from the estate
  • Help resolve disputes between the parties involved in an equitable manner

If you need assistance navigating the complicated waters of Probate Administration in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact me!

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